At what point is it ok to "help"?

[Newbie chick 30]

I have a little guy that seems like he has been hatching forever...at least 12 hrs...I keep checking on him and he doesn't seem to be making much progress...i'm so nervous he is going to "drowned" or get "shrink wrapped"...when can i come in and help with shell?

 

[The Chicken People]

Leave it alone! You can do more harm than good! It can take much longer! Sit on your hands and do nothing!

 

[ScissorChick]

Leave him alone. 12 hours is very common. Infact, most take 24 hours or more.

The most I'd let him set there after making a hole in the egg is 3 days. Theres

MANY dangers of 'helping' the chick out of the egg. you could easily break a

vein, and the chick bleeds to death. Then theres the fact that he may just not

be ready.